(almost) FREE Snails... after $12 shipping....

**sandypants** · 08-31-2009, 01:49 PM

So my pea puffer eats little pond snails and after numerous failed attempts to get them to breed (of course, when I WANT them...) and feeling bad about asking my LFS to dig me out some snails each time I go in (amazingly only a couple of their tanks have snails) I decided to try auqabid for the first time- lo and behold a seller had some that sound/look great starting at $1.00. Being there isn't much demand for (even cheap) snails I bid and won... again my first time on Aquabid. The seller had stated they will quote shipping after to "give the best deal" for basic USPS shipping... I just got some emails from the seller (like 5 in the past 2 days since auction closed) saying shipping is $12.00 (+ my $1 snails...) this seems ABSURD for things I could get for free. I was expecting maybe $5 but $12??? Their zip code is VERY close to mine (half a state away).

What to do? I don't want to NOT go through with an auction I willingly bid on but that just seems ridiculous, they had said ($9 something shipping + the box to ship them in= $12).... doesn't seem right for ground shipping from USPS.

Is it just me or is that a bit ridiculous.?They are snails, hardy little buggers, not afraid they will perish in a couple of days.

Thoughts?

**Wiggs** · 08-31-2009, 01:51 PM

depends on how he packs them and what method if shipping he uses. It does seem high for being so close to you, but not absurd.

**sandypants** · 08-31-2009, 02:15 PM

Thanks... wasn't sure for never having had any fish (or snails) arrive via mail carrier.

**Northernguy** · 08-31-2009, 02:50 PM

Ita a good thing you aren't in canada there would be another $30 charge on top of that.
I find it hard to beleive that you are having trouble getting pond snails.lol
Start a small planted ten.The plants are almost guaranteed to have snail egg on them.Just let them grow in there.It will be a planted feeder tank! lol.

**Algenco** · 08-31-2009, 03:02 PM

you should have contacted the seller for a shipping quote before bidding.
Common mistake for people not to consider shipping costs before purchasing

**sandypants** · 08-31-2009, 03:37 PM

Hey thanks for the replies guys.

Algenco- I frequently bid (for non fish things) on other sites so I do factor in shipping but the seller had specifically put that they would use USPS and "get the cheapest possible method" so I figured it would be... well, less than $12. You are correct though, I should have contacted them prior to bidding.

So far they haven't responded to my request for which method they were quoting.... I did say that it seemed high.

**korith** · 08-31-2009, 06:31 PM

I bought some snails from someone on planted tank, shipping only worked to about $6 came in a small carton.

**Jacko** · 08-31-2009, 06:58 PM

That is quite a bit, there'd better be a ton of snails in there... priority is around 8-9 bucks for a 2 lb package so either you've got snails coming packed with lead or a ton of snails... boxes are free via usps and newspaper costs 50 cents... ask if he's using a cold pack

If it falls through, I could probably scrounge up about 50 snails and send you them for 6 bucks usps priority, just pm me

**Algenco** · 08-31-2009, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by sandypants

Hey thanks for the replies guys.

Algenco- I frequently bid (for non fish things) on other sites so I do factor in shipping but the seller had specifically put that they would use USPS and "get the cheapest possible method" so I figured it would be... well, less than $12. You are correct though, I should have contacted them prior to bidding.

So far they haven't responded to my request for which method they were quoting.... I did say that it seemed high.

in that case the seller is ripping you off, Priority flat rates are $4.95, $10.35, and $13.95.
Unless you are getting a huge amount of snails, shipping should have been half that.

**Wild Turkey** · 08-31-2009, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by Algenco

in that case the seller is ripping you off, Priority flat rates are $4.95, $10.35, and $13.95.
Unless you are getting a huge amount of snails, shipping should have been half that.

Yup! The most i could see it costing is about 7-8 dollars.

5 for the priority box
1 for the breather bag
1 for a heatpack (probably dont need this right now)
1 for other packing materials

I would definitely haggle the guy, those prices are for priority shipping, not standard delivery. In theory, standard delivery should be even cheaper, and thats assuming he included the supplies above which he may not have